Linda loves making sculptures out of wood and bronze, whereas Tony’s specialty involves practical creations using old building materials.

“Truly, my highlight is making something out of nothing,” Tony said.

He helps people take down worn-out structures, using the wood to make unique, natural-edge pieces.

“I like learning from others. I just have a fascination with buildings and how they were put together,” he said. “I don’t like seeing fast equipment smash buildings and haul everything to the dump.”

Tony uses the lower-quality wood to heat his home, and selects the best pieces for his artwork.

“I take 10 to 15 percent of it and make it beautiful,” he said. “This way, it lives on to the next generation.”

Tony also donates wood to the University of Minnesota for classroom work.

Art of all sortsRecently, Tony and Linda have been working together to create sets for area plays.

“The fun part of doing the set for ‘Amahl’ and other plays was doing something that’s unexpected,” Linda said. “That’s the attraction  to break the boundaries.”

“Linda has a very good artistic side,” Tony said. “She knows a lot about color and balance.”

Linda describes her art as “all over the place.”

“I refuse to think there is something I cannot do,” she said, explaining that she’s experienced everything from welding to woodworking.

Her interest in art was piqued by a silver and goldsmith class she took in high school.

“We had a really cool teacher,” Linda said. “She was an amazing goldsmith.”

Myriad of materialsInstead of confining herself to one medium, however, Linda enjoys experimenting with all types of materials for unique color and texture combinations.

“It makes it unexpected and a little more powerful,” she said.

One of Linda’s stunning creations was featured at the Delano Public Library’s 25th annual art exhibit in October. Titled “Nature’s Highness,” the piece resembles a royal throne made of elm logs, stained glass, and recycled springs.

“It just became an item of passion,” she said. “I would be reluctant to tell you the hours I spent making it  I’d guess it’s more than 100.”

Children who visited the library were drawn to the throne, and they didn’t hesitate to climb on and try it out.